BREEAM
Standards and certification · Building sustainability assessment and certification system
BREEAM assesses the sustainability performance of buildings and other built assets under defined schemes. A project rating is not a trade association membership or a blanket approval of the contractor.
Checked Official sources below.
What it covers and whether it is required
BREEAM is generally a voluntary assessment system, although a planning condition, client or contract may require a target rating. It does not replace Building Regulations or statutory permissions.
Joining requirements and costs
Licensed assessor routes involve the relevant training and assessment, with an organisational licence for the applicable scheme. A BREEAM Assessor and a BREEAM advisory professional have different roles. Check the correct scheme and licence for the project.
Check the current fees with BREEAM before applying. Ask whether the quotation includes application, assessment, renewal and any per-job charges. Use published fees or ask for a written quotation.
What it means for homeowners
Ask whether the claimed rating is a target, a design-stage result or a final certified outcome. Confirm the certificate and asset details using BREEAM’s official services. A sustainability rating is not a workmanship guarantee or proof that every individual trade was accredited.
How to check a claim
Official member, card or certificate check: BREEAM.
Match the record to the named person or contracting business. Check the current scope, not just a logo on a van or an old certificate. If the public record does not show the detail you need, ask the body to confirm it before appointing the business.
Where the scheme applies
Used in the UK and internationally through different schemes and versions. Check which scheme applies to the asset, location and assessment date.
Common questions
Does a BREEAM rating certify the contractor as a BREEAM member?
No. The rating concerns the assessed asset and scheme scope. Assessor licensing and any professional designation are separate.
How do I check BREEAM status?
Use the official service linked in this guide, or ask the organisation to confirm the exact status or document. Membership, a training award, a product certificate and a project guarantee are different things.
Official sources
- BREEAM: breeam.com
- BREEAM: standards
- BREEAM: how breeam works
- BREEAM: how can i become an assessor user
Sources checked November 2026. Scheme rules can change; confirm current requirements before applying or signing a contract.